Sacred Valley: Not to be Missed

Most people have heard of Machu Picchu, the ancient Incan site in Peru, but far less have heard of the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley sits below the mountains that house Machu Picchu, between the site and Cusco. The whole area was once inhabited by the famous Incas. Remains of their society are strewn across the valley and for foreign visitors who have made the long trip to Peru to see Machu Picchu, a few days in the Sacred Valley is highly recommended.

The Sacred Valley, also called the Urubamba Valley, is located northwest of Cusco and encompasses several villages across about 60 miles. Visitors who make the trip will find that despite the high amount of tourism the area receives, local villages have largely retained a traditional way of life. Many locals make their living though a combination of farming, harvesting salt, and making artisan crafts that they sell at markets.

A perk of spending a few days here is that the altitude is about 1,000 feet lower than neighboring Cusco, making it an ideal place to relax and not worry about altitude adjustment. Many visitors are beginning to realize this, and several top-end country-style resorts and hotels have sprung up in the area. Most are sensitive to the historical significance of the valley and are built to blend beautifully with the local villages and scenery.

For a taste of luxury, a few days at the Aranwa Sacred Valley Hotel should be in order. This five-star hotel is in Huayllabamba-Urubamba on what was once a colonial hacienda. The rooms are rustically decorated and comfortable, but the real draw is it luxurious spa. Another great choice is Casa Andina Private Collection Valle Sagrado in Yanahuara, complete with a planetarium and star-viewing area. A top value choice is El Albergue Bed & Breakfast, located right by the Ollantaytambo train station.

This article about the Sacred Valley was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, a respected US company based in Latin America that specializes in customizable Peru vacation packages.